Introduction

Qualitative research invites you to inquire about the human condition, because it explores the meaning of human experiences and creates the possibilities of change through raised awareness and purposeful action. People communicate their meanings through language, so words and language are fundamental tools for creating and validating knowledge in qualitative research. As it is with any other focus of human interest, specific words denote the fundamental ideas, and in qualitative research you must be conversant with these words and what they mean, in order to communicate meaningfully with other researchers and the research participants. In order to discuss qualitative research and ‘do’ it well, it is important to be clear about the definitions of key terms, and at the outset of reading this book, it is very important for you to differentiate between qualitative methodologies, methods and processes and understand their interrelationships.